Superb audience recording with great stereo dynamics equals 5-star performance and sound. Last note: Brent is the consumate professional in both keyboard prowess and vocal support throughout. This reminds me of those cool shows in the '74 era where they would just let things go and relax. It has a very unique instrumental intro that lasts almost two minutes before the "All the years combine" lyric even starts. This mistake is so good-natured that it is easily forgotten and even endearing (I would've gotten lost in that TOO jam as well!).Īt this peaking performance level the 'Stella' of course does not disappoint. No time to wait! He, in fact, sings the first verse AGAIN at the end of the instrumental break rather than the "Escapin' through the lily fields" verse. I loved it! This is followed by his bizarre vocal interruption between 'The Other One' verses letting the band know outloud that "I'm gonna sing it again" is testament to the forceful nature of the music raging behind him. He singing in the first verse of 'The Other One' is completely unhinged. They are clearly on hypersonic overdrive.īobby's vocals on Estimated are terrific without being showboat. This seems especially evident in the szechuan (sweet and spicy) 'Uncle John's', the dazzling 'Other One' and the blazing 'Sugar Mags'. When I listen, there is distinct sense that the band is actually aware that they are kickin on all cosmic cylinders and there is a certain joy and abandon in mood. This is captured very well on this audience recording in a year where the bass signal is a little too low. Phil does some exceptionally wild things during this show and is dropping bombs almost nonchalantly. I know these are strange descriptions, but his guitar technique and attack is very light and flexible and is constantly shaping and responding to what the other members are bringing to the game.
Garcia seems to be in a weird "pixie"-type mode that another reviewer for the SBD source described as "sprightly". Each of the three instrumental breaks are cohesive, wildly inventive and just plain bad-ass.
The "Sugaree" is simply my favorite of all time and I'm amazed it doesn't get more recognition. The band members are all individually taking chances and toying with improvisational ideas that coalesce into a holy communion of musical minds. By the time the band gets to the second set there is a marvelous and palpable intertia in the musicianship. Why? This is, I think, a perfect example of the phenomenon of "the music playing the band." The vibe of the audience and the playing of the band are completely locked in by the end of a pretty darned wonderful 'Peggy-O'. In a very strong but historically underrated year this is my favorite show of the excellent April East coast run.
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